Realm (on hold)

Chapter One: Avyanna

I scanned my reflection carefully in the mirror, making sure everything was in proper order. Frowning, I picked up a slim silver necklace with the flower of the royal house on it and hung it around my neck. I had to look perfect tonight, we were having guests over.

I double checked to see that all the silver beads in my hair were in place. I tucked a few midnight strands behind my ear, but the rest of it seemed to be in place. Tilting my head to the side, I check my face for any blemishes. My own proud face starred back at me. High, sculpted cheek bones, porcelain skin and pink lips: a regal face.

I twirled, scanning for imperfections in my dress. It was a pretty dress, a subtle but elegant blue-gray colour, with a ribbon of silver encircling my slim waist. It was shoulder-less, but halfway down my bicep more silver ribbons held up long, wide sleeves that rippled and flowed when I moved my arms. I gave my reflection a short nod, satisfied with my choice of attire.

As I walked to the large door of my bedroom, I glanced back at the mirror once more. My eyes caught my own reflection by accident. One cold gray eye and one ice blue eye stared right back at me. I quickly dropped my gaze, but it was too late. A heavy feeling weighed in my chest as I pushed open the doors.

As I descended the steps into the main hall everyone turned to look. My mother smiled a smile that was filled with concern and motherly warmth. Yet...there was something off.

"You look, lovely, Avyanna," She seemed hesitant, as if a single careless word would shatter me into pieces. I saw the sadness hidden in her expression, but I only smiled slightly, curtsied, and said with cold eyes,

"But of course. A princess must always look her best."  I continued down the steps. My father didn't even try to hide it anymore. He just gazed at me with sad eyes. I curtsied to him,

"My King,"  I heard him breathe out as I walk by, as if in pain. I looked around, searching for a particular face.

"Where is Charlotte?" I asked. My mother's eyes softened at the sound of my twin sister's name. A child she didn't have to worry about: a child she could love with her whole heart.

"Charlotte? She's in the library." I narrowed my eyes the slightest amount.

"Please tell me she is already ready." I said, imploringly.

"I thought she was going to get ready with you...." My mother trailed off. I gave her a withering look.

"Don't you know what time it is? How could she be getting ready with me if she was in the library? Honestly Mother...and our guests will be here any minuet too!"  My mother gave me a flash of a stern look but it melted away like honey before it could completely show through.

I wish they wouldn't treat me like glass.

"I shall have to fetch her myself then." I huffed under my breath, giving a final mutter of disapproval.

I glided into the library. Charlotte had left the doors wide open, typical. As I surveyed our admittedly impressive library, I inwardly scoffed. I knew exactly where I would find her, and started walking towards the romance section of our library. The sound my heels clicking across the marble floors echoed throughout the room.

I found her, lying on the floor behind a mountain of books, her feet in the air swinging gaily back and forth. You could only see her feet and the tip of her head from behind the books. I cleared my throat. Her face peaked out from behind her mountain of books, and she sent a huge smile my way. She scrambled up and curtsied, knowing better than to hug me, like she might've when we were children.